The UK Government has lost its bid to overturn a High Court ruling; that its plans to cut subsidies for solar PV installations, on or after a ‘reference date’ of 12th December 2011, are unlawful. Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has stated that the Government is now seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, the UK Government has announced that it is still intending to publish the Phase 2 consultation on FITs by 9th February 2012. This will include proposed tariffs for other FITs technologies and a set of reform proposals for the scheme, which is understandably concern to members who are currently engaged in the early stages of a project.

Scottish Land & Estates met with the Scottish Government Renewables Routemap team this week to discuss this and a number of renewable energy issues, including the FIT review, community benefits and funding options We will keep members informed as FIT developments take place.